Aseptic meningitis: a seasonal concern.

Abstract

Outbreaks of aseptic meningitis-like illnesses have occurred in high school football players for reasons that may include the close contact among players and the overlap of football season with the peak enterovirus season. The main symptoms are fever, headache, and neck or back stiffness; physical findings may include signs of meningeal irritation. Evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of viral meningitis is generally supportive, and patients usually do well, while other forms of aseptic meningitis may require drug treatment or removal of inciting medications. Not sharing water bottles may help reduce risk.